International Journal of Value Chain Management (7 papers in press)

Regular Issues

• Multi-objective robust planning approach to the problem of locating the allocation of organ transplant centres under conditions of uncertainty  
  by Mahdi Yousefi, Zohreh Khalilpourshiraz, Fahime Lotfian Delouyi, Elham Nejati 
  Abstract: This study highlights the crucial role of organ transplantation in healthcare, underscoring its vulnerability to corruption and the importance of timely processes and strategic selection of transplant centre locations. Our study introduces a robust mathematical model aiming to optimise hospitals and organ transplant centres locations, transportation strategies, and the flow of information and organs. The objectives are to minimise the overall cost of the organ transplant system and reduce the average waiting time for patients, using a G/G/m queue system for modelling. To tackle this model, the non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (NSGA-II) is employed, ensuring an effective solution-finding process amid uncertainties. The results highlight the practicality of the model and the effectiveness of the algorithm, providing valuable insights for policymakers, organ transplant centres, and hospitals managers in optimising organ transplant supply chains under uncertain conditions.
  Keywords: supply chain management; SCM; organ transplantation; multi-objective optimisation; queuing theory; NSGA-II algorithm.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2024.10063120
   
  
• The impact of person-job fit and job training-fit on employee work behaviour  
  by David Yevugah, Livingstone Divine Caesar 
  Abstract: The aim of this study is to examine the impact of person-job fit and job-training fit on employee work behaviour. The paper also explored the moderating role of organisational commitment, environmental fit and psychological empowerment as essential yet rarely explored constructs. To achieve the intended objectives, the study used a quantitative research design, consisting of a survey of 600 employees in the manufacturing sector in Ghana. Barrett's (1978) congruence theory helped to frame and contextualises employee work behaviour. The results showed that person-job fit had a positive and significant impact on the in-role performance of employees. The moderator analysis showed that the relationship between job training fit and in-role performance of the employee is stronger when organisational commitment is high rather than low. Practically, organisations must focus on improving the person-job fit of employees (through competence training and psychological empowerment) to improve productivity.
  Keywords: work behaviour; person-job fit; PJF; job training fit; JTF; psychological empowerment; organisational commitment; environmental fit.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2024.10064917
   
  
• Capabilities for Organisational and Supply Chain Resilience in Industrial Customer-Supplier Partnerships  
  by Suvi Leinonen, Arto Reiman, Osmo Kauppila, Marko Dapan, Aleksandar Djordjevic, Micaela Demichela 
  Abstract: Nowadays, industrial companies face different unexpected global crises that require capabilities in supply chain (SCRes) and organisational resilience (ORes) management. The aim of this study was to identify the capabilities needed to strengthen SCRes and ORes in industrial customer and supplier companies. Research data were collected from 13 semi-structured interviews and a workshop with participants from customer and supplier companies. As a result, five essential capability themes were highlighted for SCRes and ORes: leadership in the organisation and SC, sustainable and collaborative customer-supplier partnerships, intra- and inter-organisational communication and information sharing, proactive business continuity management, and anticipation of future events. This study introduces a SCRes and ORes development path, highlighting the abilities to lead individuals within the organisation and SC and to foster sustainable and collaborative relationships for enhancing SCRes and ORes capabilities. Our findings benefit industrial companies by providing concrete suggestions for developing capabilities to advance SCRes and ORes.
  Keywords: organisational resilience; supply chain resilience; intra-organisational capability; inter-organisational capability; buyer-supplier partnership; leadership; collaboration; disruption; crisis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2024.10065099
   
  
• Supply and Value Chains of Mezcal in Aguascalientes, Mexico: An approach to its integration  
  by Isabel Perez, Gregorio Fernández Lambert, Hector Silos-Espino, Loecelia Ruvalcaba 
  Abstract: A Denomination of Origin for Mezcal links its production to a geographical region. Aguascalientes, Mexico, is part of that region. This article presents the results of a formal and systematic study to know the actual situation of agave production in Aguascalientes and characterize its value and supply chains to identify strategies that strengthen them. The work is exploratory and qualitative. The information is obtained from literature reviews, surveys, and interviews. The essential functions analysis methodology characterizes the value and supply chains. The results show an area of opportunity levels between the stakeholders and the wastage of mezcal residues and the plant in general. Characterizing the mezcal chains lays the foundations for more in-depth research that improves management and helps strengthen the DOM in Aguascalientes.
  Keywords: Supply Chain; Value Chain; Denomination of origin of mezcal; basic functions analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2024.10065170
   
  
• Examining the Impact of Online Food Delivery Services Attributes on Customer Loyalty through a Conjoint Analysis Approach: a Case Study of Bangkok, Thailand  
  by Detcharat Sumrit 
  Abstract: The objective of this study is to investigate key service quality attributes in online food delivery (OFDS) impacting customer choices. It adopts the DEQUAL model, examining attributes across five dimensions: order accuracy, delivery speed, data privacy, application stability, and food temperature. The case study is based on a sample of 818 customers who regularly use OFDS in Bangkok, Thailand. Through conjoint analysis, the study identifies key combination attributes influencing customer preferences, including application stability, order accuracy, data privacy with explicit consent, and minimal temperature fluctuations during food delivery. This study makes significant contributions to scholars in the field of OFDS by enabling them to determine the relative importance of each attribute, offering insights into which factors most significantly influence customer satisfaction and choice. Additionally, it facilitates the identification of optimal attribute combinations, helping scholars develop models that predict customer behaviour and inform service optimization strategies. In terms of practical implications, OFDS companies can leverage the study's findings to tailor their services for maximum utility across various features, thereby bolstering their competitive advantage and enhancing customer loyalty. Additionally, restaurants and food delivery companies in other countries can apply this framework to evaluate their customers preferences towards OFDS similarly.
  Keywords: online food delivery service (OFDS); Customer loyalty; Service attributes; Conjoint analysis.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2024.10065323
   
  
• Theoretical prerequisites for designing a digital twin of Value Chain Management  
  by Alexey P. Tyapukhin  
  Abstract: The purpose of the study is to create theoretical and methodological prerequisites for the design of a prototype digital twin of value chain management and new generation software products based on it. The results of the study include the sequence of the subject’s influence on the objects of value chain management; classification of management objects and their coding methodology; a set of actual classification attributes and dichotomies of value chain management objects and the sequence of their use; and a typical algorithm for managing value chain objects as a prototype of the future structure of the desired digital twin. The obtained results allow to identify and model subjects and objects of value chain management, take into account their uniqueness and develop management decisions taking into account environmental factors, including countermeasures to competing value chains.
  Keywords: management; chain; value; digital twin; module; demand; supply; scenario; qualitative attribute; dichotomy.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2024.10065422
   
  
• Factors Influencing Market Channels Selection for Small and Marginal Vegetable Farmers in Kerala, India  
  by Sreerag R. S, Prasanna Venkatesan S 
  Abstract: Selecting a market channel for fresh vegetables is crucial for farmers to guarantee a steady supply of vegetables, which impacts customer buying habits. Thus, it is essential to study factors that influence the selection of market channels for small and marginal vegetable farmers, particularly in developing and emerging economies like India. The study aims to investigate the significant factors affecting small and marginal farmers’ choice of market channels. Two hundred valid survey responses were evaluated for factors based on the farmer preferences in market channel selection. A binary logistic regression is done to find the critical factors influencing channel selection. Machine learning methods, like KNN, NB, SVM, RF, and ANN, are further used to predict the selection of sales channels. The results show that quantity produced, distance to market, and profit obtained largely influence the market channel choice for small and marginal vegetable farmers. The research offers valuable insights into small and marginal vegetable farmers' market channel selection process. It enables policymakers to propose strategies to encourage the farmers to select the right market channel to sell their produce to improve their income and livelihood.
  Keywords: market channel; small and marginal farmers; fresh vegetables; binary logistic regression; machine learning; India.
  DOI: 10.1504/IJVCM.2024.10065483